Kiwi Ferns Coach Tony Benson has named his side for New Zealand’s first Women’s Rugby League World Cup game against Canada tomorrow at 1.45pm (AEDT).
In what will be her fifth Rugby League World Cup, Laura Mariu will captain the Kiwi Ferns when they run out at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney tomorrow afternoon. Experienced veterans Sharlene Atai and Honey Hireme will start in the second row and left wing positions respectively.
Nicholls-Pualau will make her international debut starting at fullback with Australian-based and Gisborne-born Nita Maynard set to make her debut off the bench.
“To play in that black jersey is the highest honour and I’m so privileged to be named in the starting line-up,”
“I know I’ve got my work cut out for me but I’m ready to get out there and give it my all,” Nicholls-Pualau says.
For Maynard, being one of the first Australian-based Kiwis to pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey is a dream come true.
“Raecene and I were lucky enough to get the opportunity to trial and when we both got the call up into that final Kiwi Ferns World Cup squad the feeling was indescribable,”
“It makes it even more special that I’ll be playing my first international Test at my home stadium where I play with the Cronulla Sharks,” she said.
Coach Tony Benson says he is happy with the blend of youth and experience in his team to take on Canada.
“I’m excited that we can finally put all the hard work and sacrifices to good use on the field and I’m confident in the team that will run out tomorrow,” he says.
#Earnthefern #TeIwiKiwi
Kiwi Ferns v Canada November 16, 1.45pm (AEDT) Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
1- Apii Nicholls-Pualau* 2- Atawhai Tupaea 3- Maitua Feterika 4- Shontelle Woodman 5- Honey Hireme 6- Georgia Hale (Vice Captain) 7- Kimiora Nati 8- Lilieta Maumau 9- Krystal Rota 10- Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe 11- Sharlene Atai 12- Teuila Fotu-Moala 13- Laura Mariu (Captain) 14- Nita Maynard* 15- Krystal Murray 16- Ngatokotoru Arakua 17- Amber Kani 18- Louisa Gago 19- Kahurangi Peters
*International debut
Kiwi Ferns overcome a strong Maori Ferns side in their World Cup warm-up match in Hamilton coming out on top, 32-12.
The win was extra special for local Kiwi Ferns, Honey Hireme and Shontelle Woodman, both scoring in front of a home crowd filled with family and friends.
Young Kiwi Ferns and debutantes were able to get a taste for the World Cup atmosphere on home soil, before heading to Sydney for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup where they will play their three pool matches https://nzrl.co.nz/rlwc2017-womens-draw/.
Kiwi Ferns Captain Laura Mariu reflects on the win in Waikato:
Kiwi Ferns 32 (Honey Hireme 2, Krystal Murray, Maitua Feterika 2, Shontelle Woodman, Apii Nicholls-Pualau tries; Kimiora Nati 2 goals) Maori Ferns 12 (Sharnita Woodman, Te Aroha Hapuku tries; Jonsal Tautari penalty & goal)
New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns will assemble mid-November in preparation for their tilt at returning the Women’s Rugby League World Cup to NZ. The three-time champions (2000, 2003 & 2008) have been working hard for months to prepare for the tournament.
For the first time this selection process has included talent based in Australia, with a number of players making the trip to NZ to trial with their NZ based counterparts before the squad was selected.
Coach Tony Benson said, “It has been exciting to see the lift in intensity at training and at the trials since we were able to commit more resources to the team.
“They have been working on their fitness levels with our trainers and Athlete Nation at the NZIS gym facilities and refining our nutrition with Lee-Anne Wann, performance nutritionist to prepare themselves for this campaign.
“All the players have really embraced the challenge and I am confident they will give the very best of themselves at this year’s tournament.”
The following squad, led by Laura Mariu, will head to Australia where they will play all their pool games in Sydney. The Women’s final will be played prior to the Men’s final in Brisbane on December 2, 2017. All Kiwi Ferns game will screen live on SKY in NZ.
(In alphabetical order) 1. Raquel Anderson * 2. Ngatokotoru Arakua 3. Sharlene Atai 4. Maitua Feterika 5. Teuila Fotu Moala 6. Louisa Gago * 7. Georgia Hale (VC) 8. Honey Hireme 9. Amber Kani 10. Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe 11. Laura Mariu (C) 12. Lilieta Maumau 13. Nita Maynard * 14. Raecene McGregor * 15. Krystal Murray 16. Kimiora Nati 17. Apii Nicholls-Pualau * 18 Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala 19. Hilda Peters 20. Kahurangi Peters 21. Krystal Rota 22. Aeishaleigh Smalley * 23. Atawhai Tupaea 24. Shontelle Woodman
* Denotes Debutant
The Kiwi Ferns will play a warm-up game prior to the men’s Samoa v Tonga match in Hamilton on November 4. Buy Tickets.
Tournament details and to buy tickets
New Zealand fans will get the opportunity to watch the Kiwi Ferns play a warm-up match on home soil before they contest the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017, which kicks off in Sydney in exactly 100 days.
The Kiwi Ferns will fine-tune their World Cup preparations by playing New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa at Waikato Stadium ahead of the men’s RLWC2017 pool match between Samoa and Tonga on Saturday 4 November 2017.
Kiwi Ferns captain Sarina Fiso said: “This game against New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa will give the squad the best possible preparation for this year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup as well as providing the opportunity to play in front of family and friends, which means so much to the team.” “It will also give us a taste of the Rugby League World Cup atmosphere before we head across to Australia,” she concluded.
New Zealand are co-hosts of the men’s tournament and will stage seven games of what will be the biggest rugby league event the country has ever hosted. The addition of the Kiwi Ferns and New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa contest only enhances this special occasion.
RLWC2017 New Zealand General Manager Andrea Nelson said: “It’s great to be able to give the Kiwi Ferns the opportunity to play on home soil in front of the New Zealand public before they travel across the Tasman for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.”
“With ticket prices starting from $45 for a family of four, it will be a great chance for fans to watch two games for a very affordable price,” she concluded.
The Kiwis Ferns have been drawn in Pool B of this year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup and will play Canada (November 16), Cook Islands (November 19) and Papua New Guinea (November 22) in the pool stages.
Chairman of New Zealand Maori Rugby League John Devonshire said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the New Zealand Maori Wahine Toa team to be playing on such a huge occasion with a great atmosphere.
“It’s also a great chance for our players to test themselves and help the Kiwi Ferns prepare for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.”
Previously part of the user-pays Festival of World Cups, this year’s tournament will be first time the Women’s Rugby League World Cup has been held as a standalone event, with the pool matches to be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Cronulla (Sydney) as triple-headers on November 16, 19 and 22 with the semi-finals to be played as a double-header on November 26.
The tournament will see both the men’s and women’s finals played as a double-header in Brisbane on 2 December 2017 – the first time two World Cup winners will be crowned on the same day, on the same stage.
Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be the six teams to contest this year’s tournament.
Australia are the reigning champions with the Kiwi Ferns vying to win back the trophy they won in 2000, 2005 and 2008.
The RLWC2017 Organising Committee have announced that the SKY Sport has secured the New Zealand broadcast rights to this years Womens Rugby League World Cup.
Under the terms of the deal, SKY Sport will broadcast all 12 matches of the tournament culminating in the final on 2 December 2017, where history will be created when both the mens and womens finals are played on the same day, on the same stage.
RLWC2017 Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Hill said: We are delighted to be partnering with SKY Sport in an historic deal that will showcase the Womens Rugby League World Cup across New Zealand.
The agreement to broadcast every match of the tournament across New Zealand on SKY Sport is a significant step forward for Rugby League, providing a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the skills and competitiveness of the womens game.
The Organising Committee is incredibly proud to be conducting a tournament that has attracted significant investment from both government and commercial partners whilst profiling the players and game like no previous Rugby League event.
This years tournament will be the first time the Womens Rugby League World Cup has been held as a standalone event, with the pool matches to be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney as triple-headers on November 16, 19 and 22 with the semi-finals to be played as a double-header on November 26.
SKY Director of Sport, Richard Last said: Were thrilled to have secured this years Womens Rugby League World Cup for SKY Sport subscribers. Since the 2016 womens ANZAC Test featuring the Kiwi Ferns against the Jillaroos, weve seen a 26% increase in our viewership of womens Rugby League. Theres clearly a very real appetite, and we cant wait for the tournament to kick-off!
Female participation is one of the fastest growing areas of the sport. To be able to broadcast the Womens Rugby League World Cup across multiple international markets will not only promote womens Rugby League to a wider audience than ever before, but inspire further growth of the game from grassroots to the elite level, concluded Hill.
The Rugby League International Federation confirmed that Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be the six teams to contest the Womens Rugby League World Cup 2017.
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The Kiwi Ferns will open their 2017 Rugby League World Cup account against Canada on November 16 at Cronulla’s Southern Cross Group Stadium.
RLWC2017’s organising committee has announced the women’s tournament draw, with New Zealand drawing the North Americans and Papua New Guinea in Pool B.
With the support of the NSW Government, all pool matches and semi-finals will be played at the home of the Cronulla Sharks. The WRLWC2017 final will be played as a double-header with the men’s final at Brisbane Stadium on December 2, through support from the Queensland Government.
Pool A features reigning World Cup holders Australia, taking on England and Cook Islands.
The tournament draw will see the three pool rounds played as triple-headers on November 16, November 19 and November 22 respectively, with the semi-finals to be contested as a double-header on Sunday, November 26.
RLWC2017 chief executive officer Andrew Hill said the anticipation surrounding the women’s tournament reflects the growth of women’s rugby league and the draw supports what will be an exciting event.
“Interest in women’s rugby league has never been greater, and we want this tournament to provide a platform to showcase these world-class athletes and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
“The two pools are evenly matched and lend themselves perfectly to exciting rugby league. Having multiple games on the one day at Southern Cross Group Stadium will create a real festival of rugby league for teams and fans alike.
“We look forward to welcoming the six competing teams to Australia, as they vie for the title of 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup winners.”
Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 Pools
Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 Draw Kick-off times to be confirmed
Ticket details for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 matches in Sydney will be announced in due course.
Fans can now purchase tickets for Finals Day at Brisbane Stadium on December 2, 2017 from RLWC2017.com. See both the women’s and men’s World Cup winners crowned on same day with the one ticket.
Six players, an assistant coach and a manager have been added to the Kiwi Ferns programme, as the national women’s team prepares to defend their Downer NRL Auckland Nines title in February.
Open trials earlier this month have produced a handful of additional candidates, including dual rugby/league international Charlotte Scanlan, and past nines exponents Chanel Huddleston and Alex Cook.
Huddleston was a member of the successful 2015 team, while Cook turned out for this year’s winners.
Bunty Kuruwaka-Crowe of Canterbury, Louisa Gago of Akarana and Makaia Riki-Te Kauna of Upper Central are also
The Kiwi Ferns will again face the Australian Jillarroos in a three-game series, competing on the same stage as the 16 NRL men’s teams. The two previous instalments have seen New Zealand emerge 2-1 winners.
Meanwhile, Dan Keepa of Counties Manukau will join the existing Ferns staff to assist head coach Alan Jackson, while Elizabeth Richards of Akarana takes up the manager’s role.
The wider Kiwi Ferns squad is:
New Zealand Rugby League is calling for interested applicants for the role of NZ Kiwi Ferns manager.
The team manager provides support to the coach and trainer by attending to all administration matters relating to the team and its players.
The manager will be the key person responsible for liaising between the team and NZRL.
As part of the management team, you will be a role model for the players and other management staff members. There is an expectation that all management staff will adhere to the NZRL pledge and live these values.
The successful applicant must be able to travel, and will need a current NZ driver’s licence and a mobile phone for communication purposes.
Applicants should submit their CV’s (work & rugby league management experience) and an letter for the above role to NZRL high performance manager Brent Gemmell by 5pm Friday, October 28, 2016.
New Zealand Rugby League will be conducting trials for the NZ Kiwi Ferns team to contest next year’s NRL Auckland Nines.
The national women’s team beat Australia in a three-game series in both the 2015 and 2016 tournaments, and have been invited to defend that crown at Eden Park next February.
For Ferns head coach Alan Jackson, it’s a chance to cast his net wider that just the rugby league community for talent.
“The NRL Nines have really opened up the public’s eyes to the women’s game,” says Jackson. “Our girls really enjoy playing in front of a huge crowd that gets right behind them and it’s a good stepping stone.
“The nines format is a little less physical and a good way to get a taste of what rugby league is all about.”
Trials have been scheduled for Cornwall Park, Auckland on November 5.
Eligibility criteria is as follows:
· New Zealand citizen/resident (residing in New Zealand)
· Minimum age requirement
· The player has attained or will have attained at least 17 years of age by December 31 in the year preceding the commencement of the 2017 season/campaign (participants must be born in 1999 or previous)
· Be available for training sessions and camps (these will be advised and will take place in the months of December 2016 and January/February 2017, in lead up to the NRL Auckland Nines)
To attend the trials, all participants must register to be considered and this can be done here.
The deadline for preliminary registrations is 5pm, Wednesday, October 26. Please note that any travel and/or accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the trialist.
NZRL will respond to all those that register to advise if they have been successful to attend the trials, as well as providing them with further details by Friday, October 28.
Junior Kiwi James Fisher-Harris has earned a spot on the NZ Kiwis training squad for next month’s test against Australia in Perth and the subsequent Four Nations Tournament in England.
The Penrith Panthers forward was named to the national U20 side in May, but had to withdraw from their encounter with the Junior Kangaroos through injury. He took the field for Junior Kiwis in the same fixture last year.
Hailing from the Northland town of Rawene, Fisher-Harris enjoyed a break-through season with the Panthers, taking advantage of injuries to cement a spot in the first-grade line-up.
Penrith were eliminated from the NRL playoffs by Canberra Raiders last weekend, ushering Fisher-Harris, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Suaia Matagi and Te Maire Martin into the national squad.
After two previous false starts, DWZ finally made his Kiwis debut in May, while Matagi was part of the triumphant 2014 Four Nations campaign, coming off the bench against Samoa.
Like Fisher-Harris, five-eighth Martin also stepped up to first grade this season, but missed Penrith’s run to the playoffs with a shoulder injury.
Joining them in the wider group are Brisbane Broncos Adam Blair, Alex Glenn and Jordan Kahu, who were ousted from the premiership race by North Queensland Cowboys in a rematch of last season’s grand finalists.
All three were named for the May test against Australia, but Glenn withdrew with a calf injury. Blair co-captained the Kiwis in England last year and Kahu’s ability to play a variety of positions has proven valuable since debuting on that same tour.
Vodafone Warriors prop Ben Matulino has withdrawn from contention for off-season surgery, while new coach David Kidwell has added Warriors hooker/second row Jazz Tevaga.
The latest inclusions brings the current squad to 31, with more to come after next weekend’s NRL semi-finals.
The final touring squad of 24 will be named during the week after the NRL Premiership Grand Final on October 2.
The Kiwis face Australia on October 15 and kick off their Four Nations title defence against hosts England on October 29.
The current NZ Kiwis train-on squad is:
The Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) organising committee has announced that, for the first time, in the sport’s history the Women’s Rugby League World Cup will be held concurrently with the men’s tournament.
With NSW Government funding, Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 pool matches and semi-finals will be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium, the home of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks NRL team, from November 16 next year, with both the women’s and men’s finals played as a double-header at Brisbane Stadium on December 2.a
RLWC2017 chief executive Andrew Hill said this historic announcement for international rugby league provides the women’s game with the perfect platform to demonstrate their world-class prowess.
“It has always been the board’s vision to have the Women’s Rugby League World Cup played concurrently with the men’s tournament and through the strong support of the NSW Government, we have been able to create what is a milestone moment for the sport,” said Hill.
“It’s only fitting these gifted athletes get the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage and we see next year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup as a game-changer for the sport.
“Female participation in all forms of rugby league is the fastest-growing category in the game and women’s international rugby league has made great strides forward in recent years.
“To have both the women’s and men’s finals played on the same day at the same venue will conclude what will be the greatest ever Rugby League World Cup,” Hill concluded.
NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said women’s international rugby league continues to go from strength to strength and the Women’s World Cup will be a massive drawcard for fans.
“It’s a huge coup for NSW to make the Women’s World Cup happen and Sydney is the perfect location to welcome visitors to enjoy these exciting matches,” said Ayres.
“Our female players are bringing global recognition to the game and I encourage all fans to attend the Women’s World Cup next year where they will witness the tremendous talent we have in our game.”
Previously the Women’s Rugby League World Cup was part of the user-pays Festival of World Cups that featured tournaments for Women, Defence, Police, Wheelchair and Universities.
In 2017, the stand-alone Women’s Rugby League World Cup will involve six teams from three different continents – Europe (England), North America (Canada) and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea).
The final team will come from either Fiji, Tonga, Samoa or the Cook Islands, following the Pacific qualifying series to be played at St Mary’s in Western Sydney during October 2016.
The draw for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 will be announced after the Pacific qualifying series.
Tickets to the double-header final at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday, December 2 2017 will go on general sale at noon NZ, October 27 2016.
To receive ticketing news and access a priority purchase window, register today at RLWC2017.com.
Respected and experienced rugby league administrator Andrew Hill has been appointed chief executive officer of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) organising committee.
RLWC2017 chairman Dr George Peponis announced the appointment today, following the recent resignation of former CEO Michael Brown.
“We are delighted Andrew has accepted the role of chief executive officer for the Rugby League World Cup 2017,” Dr Peponis said.
“Andrew has a great connection with the game, from the grassroots through to the international stage. He brings with him a technical understanding, as well as vision for the strategic direction of the game, not just in Australia, New Zealand and the region, but around the world.
“Andrew’s experience in working at the club level, as a senior executive with the NRL and the international federation brings a unique outlook to the game. It’s this all-of-game perspective that we think is important in leading the Rugby League World Cup and will complement the skills of those already serving on the organising committee.
“I’d like to thank Maria Sykes for standing in as interim chief executive officer, while the board finalised its position and am pleased she will continue in her role as chief operating officer.”
Hill has agreed to terms with the NRL that will allow him to stand aside from his position as general manager of league integration and game development.
“Rugby league is well placed, both domestically and internationally, to experience growth in participation and popularity in the coming years, and I see the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 as the ideal platform for us achieving this,” Hill said.
“I am extremely honoured and proud to be involved in the tournament, and am keen to build on the strong foundation that is in place.
“We will take next year’s tournament to more fans than ever before, and deliver the greatest Rugby League World Cup that will inspire communities and create a lasting legacy for the sport.”
Andrew Hill will officially start his role with the RLWC2017 on August 29, 2016.
Michael Burgess, NZ Herald
All top sportspeople make sacrifices, but it’s hard to imagine many making them to the same degree as Kiwis Ferns forward Krystal Rota.
Rota, who was one of the standout players in the Ferns’ impressive 26-16 win over Australia in Newcastle on Friday night, estimates she has spent nine months in hospital over the last two years.
Her two year-old daughter Nikayla was born with a serious kidney condition, which requires her to spend long periods of time in hospital.
Despite this, Rota has kept up her sporting career, often training by herself in a field near the hospital.
“To be fair, I don’t know how she does it,” said coach Alan Jackson. “When her daughter is sleeping, she goes and trains at Cornwall Park, runs through One Tree Hill. What she is doing is pretty exceptional.”
Read one
Two brilliant try assists from eventual Woman of the Match Georgia Hale has helped the Kiwi Ferns earn redemption over the Harvey Norman Jillaroos in their 26-16 win at Hunter Stadium.
Ferns five-eighth Hale’s efforts comes just three months after she was named woman of the series at the Auckland Nines following the Ferns’ 2-1 win over the Jillaroos.
The Ferns’ victory was the icing on the cake after they were defeated by the Jillaroos in the corresponding game last season – try-scoring doubles from skipper Sarina Fiso and Atawhai Tupaea contributing massively to the end result.The battle lines were drawn early when the Ferns’ one-out barnstorming style of play showed its worth against the free-flowing Jillaroos – the latter dominating possession in the opening exchanges.
It came at the expense of centre Corban McGregor (shoulder) after she was involved in a tackle gone wrong in the fifth minute. Maddie Studdon’s penalty goal two minutes later eased the pain slightly as the Jillaroos posted an early 2-0 lead.
The Ferns scored the game’s first try in the 11th minute – in just their second set – when winger Tupaea scored in the corner thanks to handy lead-up work by Fiso.
Tupaea was handed her second try on a silver platter when a magical two-woman cut-out ball from Hale allowed her to cross again six minutes later.
Not to be outdone, Jillaroos’ Studdon produced a two-woman cut-out ball of her own which found Samantha Bremner out the back for Australia’s first try in the 24th minute. The fullback’s four-pointer cutting the deficit back to two points.The Ferns would finish the half up 12-6 however when centre Maitua Feterika powered her way over the try-line from dummy half to score in the 33rd minute.
An error from Emma Young handed the Ferns good field territory early in the second half, which they were able to quickly turn into points. It came off the back of Hale once again whose inside ball to Fiso opened up the Jillaroos defence for the skipper to score.
The Jillaroos wouldn’t die wondering though, that including Karina Brown. The winger’s kick ahead for herself in the 50th minute came up trumps when a Fiso error allowed the winger to pick up the loose ball and score.
The Ferns extended their lead to 10 in the 64th minute when Fiso crashed her way over for her second try of the match after slicing her way through Studdon and Jillaroos skipper Ruan Sims to score.
Krystal Rota’s try four minutes later put the game out of reach for the Jillaroos when she reached over the try-line from dummy half to score.
Rota capitalised on Nora Maaka’s run prior when Jillaroos Sims and Kezie Apps head-clashed in the tackle, leaving the former injured on the ground.
Brown’s second try in the final three minutes helped the Jillaroos to a more respectable score though they would still go down by 10 points at game’s end.
Kiwi Ferns 26 (Atawhai Tupaea 2, Sarina Fiso 2, Maitua Feterika, Krystal Rota tries; Nora Maaka goal) Jillaroos 16 (Karina Brown 2, Sam Bremner tries; Maddie Studdon, Caitlyn Moran goals); HT: 12-6.
Akarana second row Annetta Nuuausala is poised to follow big brother Frank-Paul into a test jersey, with selection for the Kiwi Ferns team to contest next week’s Downer Test curtainraiser.
Coach Alan Jackson has named five test newcomers in his 18-strong group to take on archrivals Australia in Newcastle – all but one were part of the roster that defeated the Jillaroos at the NRL Auckland Nines in February.
Nuuausala is excited to continue her family name at international level. Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Kiwi #754), currently playing with the Canberra Raiders in the NRL, chalked up 15 tests for the national men’s side between 2009-13, including the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
“This means the world to me,” says Annetta (21). “After seeing my older siblings participate in sport and then to see my older brother reach this stage too, I thought I’d give it a go.”
Nuuausala made her national team debut at the Nines, a result that will boost the Kiwi Ferns, after losing last year’s Anzac Test in Brisbane.
“The Nines was a good experience,” she says. “I learned a lot from the campaign and took it back with me to my club footy.
“Now I think I’m better than I was last year and without that exposure, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Jackson admits the selection of this outfit presented some tough challenges.
“The selectors and I had a number of sleepless nights picking this team,” he says. “The quality of the players we have in the game in New Zealand at the moment is very, very good, making this a hard job, but we’re very happy with the 18 that we have.
“We’ve built since the Nines. The girls have been working very hard and we’re looking forward to this test match.
“The Aussies have very fast backs and very strong forwards that keep working all day, so it’s going to be a real challenge. They beat us by eight last year, so we’re looking for a little bit of revenge.”
The Kiwi Ferns team for the Downer Trans-Tasman Test curtainraiser is:
Coach: Alan Jackson Assistant coach: Grant Pocklington Manager: Anita Smith-McKinnon Trainer: James Delacey Physiotherapist: Sarah Fanuatanu Physio assistant: Sonya Rogers Technical support: Dan Keepa
Twenty-two players have been named in an extended Kiwi Ferns women’s squad to prepare for the test against Australia in Newcastle next month.
The fixture is scheduled as a curtain-raiser to the Downer Test Match between NZ Kiwis men and Australian Kangaroos on May 6.
The roster, which includes all the side that defeated Australia 2-1 at the NRL Auckland Nines in February, will be further trimmed to 18 before travelling across the Tasman.
The extended Kiwi Ferns squad is:
The world #1 NZ Kiwis will wear BLK jerseys into next year’s Rugby League World Cup campaign and beyond.
New Zealand Rugby League has confirmed a renewed four-year contract with the global sports apparel company that ends on December 31, 2019. The agreement will also cover the Kiwi Ferns women and Junior Kiwis programme.
The Kiwis men have worn the BLK (Beyond Limits Known) brand since 2012.
“We’re proud to continue our sponsorship of the world’s top-ranked New Zealand national rugby league team,” says BLK chief executive Tyron Brant.
“The Kiwis have a very clear strategy on how they want to lift their profile and BLK is excited to be part of that journey.”
In recent years, BLK and NZRL have produced an exciting range of merchandise for Kiwis fans around the world, and 2016 will be no different.
The latest offerings will be officially launched next month, as the Kiwis prepare to defend the Bill Kelly Cup and world #1 billing against Australia in Newcastle, May 6.
“Their unique team culture makes our Kiwis one of the iconic brands in New Zealand sport,” says NZRL commercial general manager Sarah Lewis.
“BLK has certainly helped us extend that design footprint internationally by bringing our culture to life with its distinct and innovative garments.
“The World Cup offers a great opportunity to develop that identity even more. We’re sure our passionate fans will find something in the next BLK release that will make it easy for them to show support for their team, whether that’s by wearing a replica jersey at our games or our styled casual gear away from the stadium.”
